Pressing support for straight bar knitting machine



Feb. 16, 1965 w. ULLMANN ETAL 3,

PRESSING SUPPORT FOR STRAIGHT BAR KNITTING MACHINE Filed July 12, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet '1 1965 w. ULLMANN ETAL 3,169,386

PRESSING SUPPORT FOR STRAIGHT BAR KNITTING MACHINE Filed July 12. 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS WILHELM ULLMANN HANS VETTERMANN HANS SCHELLER flhzael I ATTORNEY Feb. 16, 1965 w. ULLMANN ETAL 3,169,336v

PRESSING SUPPORT FOR STRAIGHT BAR KNITTING MACHINE Filed July 12, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 f Fig. 9 2! K 6 2 20 Feb. 16, 1965 w. ULLMANN ETAL 3,169,386

PRESSING SUPPORT FOR STRAIGHT BAR KNITTING MACHINE Filed July 12, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 United States Patent 3,169,386 PRESSENG SUP?0RT FOR STRAIGHT BAR KNETTING MACHlNE Wilhelm Ullmann and Hans Vetterrnann, Eislingen, and

Hans Scheller, Faurndau, Kreis Goeppingen, Germany,

assignors to Gebr. Scheller Textilmaschinenfabrik G.rn.b.H., Eislingen (File), Germany Filed Eluly 12, 1961, Ser. No. 123,576 Claims priority, application Germany, .l'uly 22, 196i), Sch 28,294 22 Claims. (Cl. 66-88) The present invention relates to a pressing support for a straight bar knitting machine of the type in which two rows of needles are provided, and more particularly to 21 Cotton type Coulier knitting machine in which two sets of bearded needles cooperate with presser edges which are effective to close the beards of the needles so that the closed beards may slide through loops of the yarn.

In knitting machines of this type, a first needle bar supports a row of vertical needles, and a second needle bar supports a row of horizontal needles. The needle bars are operated by cams to perform relative motions between advanced and retracted positions, and during such motions, the beards of the needles pass presser edges to be closed so that a yarn under a beard is pulled through an old loop of the respective associated needle of the other set, while the knitted piece of fabric is suspended from the set of horizontal needles.

The vertical needles pull the yarn against the stems of the horizontal needles, and at the same time the formed fabric produces an oblique pull on the horizontal needles, which is necessary to provide the required spacing between old loops and new loops on the stems of the horizontal needles. This downward pull exerts a bending moment on the horizontal needles, tending to bend the needles downwardly and away from the downwardly facing horizontal presser edge.

The forces required for pressing the beards of the horizontal needles upwardly against the presser edge act on the ends of the needle bar of the horizontal needles since the needle bar is supported at the ends thereof to leave a space between the needle bar and the cam shaft for the passage of the fabric. Consequently, the downwardly acting forces on the needles act along the needle bar in downward direction, while the ends of the needle bar are moved upwardly, so that, particularly if the machine sections for each needle bar are long, the needle bar of the horizontal needles is bent, and the horizontal needles at the center region of the needle bar thereof are not raised high enough against the downwardly facing presser edge to effect a complete closing of their beards. If such beards are not closed, the beard cannot pass through a loop during retraction of the horizontal needles, and the respective loop is caught by the beard, instead of sliding over the closed beard.

This disadvantage and faulty operation i particularly noticeable, if only selected horizontal needles are pressed in accordance with a certain knitted pattern because in this event the needles which are to be pressed, project from the needle plane, so that the loops on the needles are tensioned to a different extent, resulting in uneven loops, and in improper loop formations.

It is the object of the present invention to overcome this disadvantage of known straight bar knitting machines, and to provide a straight bar knitting machine in which the beards of the needles are reliably and fully closed during a pressing motion.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a straight bar knitting machine in which the pull of the yarn acting on needles is compensated so that the needles are maintained in a position in which their beards are completely closed by the respective presser edge.

Another object of the present invention is to provide 3,159,385 Patented Feb. 16, 1965 a straight bar knitting machine in which the heads of the needles are supported against the pull exerted thereon by the yarn so that a desired relative position between the needle beards and the presser edge is maintained.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a straight bar knitting machine with a second presser means which sup orts the heads of the needles in advanced pressing position so that the heads of the needles are properly spaced from the respective presser edge, and the beards-thereof are fully closed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide presser means forming a gap in which the needle is located in the advanced pressing position, so that the heard is closed by the walls of the gap while the needle is supported against any forces tending to bend or displace the same in a direction transverse to the longitudinal needle motion.

Another object of the present invention is to provide presser means comprising two sets of presser members, each of which cooperates with a needle, and which are movable to operative positions for supporting the heads of selected sets of needles to hold the needles at the proper distance from the presser edge required for fully closing the beards of the needles.

Another object of the present invention is to provid a straight bar knitting machine, sets of movable presser members which take the place of a conventional presser edge to close beards of selected needles.

With these objects in view, the present invention relates to a knitting machine which comprises a row of bearded needles which are supported for movement in longitudinal direction to and form an advanced pressing position; first presser means for pressing and closing the beards in the advanced position of the needles; and second presser means located on the opposite side of the needles and supporting the needle heads in the advanced pressing position. Due to the support of the needle heads by the second presser means, the pull exerted by the fabric and by the yarn during formation of loops, cannot pull away the beards of the needles -from the first presser mean which would result in the beards being only partly closed.

In one embodiment of the invention, the second presser means is a straight fixed bar on which the heads of the needles rest in the advanced pressing position, while their beards engage a presser edge of the first presser means. The conventional presser edge of the first presser means may be replaced by two sets of presser members which are movable relative to each other between positions in which the beards of corresponding needles are pressed, and inoperative positions so that only the beards of selected needles are closed.

In another embodiment of the invention, the conventional presser edge of the first pressure means is maintained, but the second pressure means include two sets of presser members arranged in a selected order, for example alternating with each other, and being respectively aligned with the needles. At least one of the sets of presser members is movable relative to the needles between an operative position supporting the head of the respective aligned needle, and an inoperative position in which it is not reached by the needle in the advanced pressing position of the needle.

The operative presser members have either inclined faces for urging the respective engaged needle upwardly against the pressure edge while moving in longitudinal direction of the needles, or are moved in a motion transverse to the longitudinal direction of the needles to urge the needle heads upwardly against the pressure edge above the same.

Such small upward movement of the needle heads increases the tension of all loops slightly, which is an adice ditional assurance for a proper operation and loop formation. I

they form a continuous surface supporting the heads of all horizontal needles, which is the position in which a purl-purl fabric is knitted. A patterned fabric is obtained by moving only selected presser membersto the operative position cooperating with the heads of the needles. When needles are pressed in accordance withthe pattern, after a new loop is located under the beard, the other presser members remain in the inoperative position, so that the respective needles are not pressed, and both loops remain onthe needles. In a knitting operation, in which the presser members are operated to move toward the presser edge in order to press the needles for producing 1 x 1 or 2' x 2 fabrics, this pressing movement of the presser members takes place before a new' loop formed by a vertical needle is located under the beard of the horizontal needle. When the loops are cast off the horizontal needles, all movable pressermembers, which did not perform this operation, are moved to a position in which they form a continuous presser surface with the previously operated pressermembers, so that all horizontal needles are supported and if desired, urged against the presser edge which cooperates with the beards.

In another embodiment of the invention, the movable presser members have recesses, gaps, or bores, which are preferably slightly conical, and which receive the heads of the respective horizontal needles including the beards, so that the pressing of the beards and the support of the needle head is carried out by the same member, and the conventional presser edge is not used for closing the beards of the horizontal needles.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: i FIGS. 1 to 5 are fragmentary cross-sectional views illustrating on an enlarged scaledifferent operational positions of the needles and presser means of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7; n FIG. 6 is a fragmentary schematic plan view illustrating the position of the needles and of the yarn during the knitting of a 2 X 2 ribbed fabric;

I FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating; one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the invention; 1 FIG. 9 is a fragmentarycross-sectional view illustrating the presser arrangement according to another embodiinent of the invention;

FIG. 9a is a fragmentary front view of the embodiment of FIG. 9; a

' FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view on an enlarged scale illustrating a presser arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10a is a fragmentary cross-sectional view 011 an enlarged scale illustratinga pressure arrangement according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to PEG. 7', a row of horizontal needles 4 is mounted on a needle bar7 which has a projecting part 7a. Needle bar 7 is operated by cam levers 1t) and 11, and also controlled by cam lever 9 acting on projection 7a. A set" of cams is provided on cam shaft 8 for operating cam levers 9, 10 and 11, only one cam being shown for the sake ofclarity, since the composite motion of the needles 4. is conventional and characteristic of a .Cotton straight bar knitting machine. The venti'cal needles 1 are mounted on another needle bar, not shown, and are moved in a conventional manner by cam followers and cam means,

The two presser members have a position in which.

not shown. A pressing bar 2 and an auxiliary pressing bar 2 are mounted on the machine head 2a to engage the beards of the needles to press and close the same in a'c-onventional manner.

In accordance with the present invention, two pressing members 5 and 5' are provided for supporting the ing conventional, and, for example, described in the U.Sl

' Patent 28,13 3, dated May 1, 18 60 and inthe U.S. Patent 7 621,723 dated March 21, 1899. i

.of the vertical needle to.

-FIG. 1 shows a vertical needle in' the position In in which its beard is pressed by the auxiliary pressing means 2 to pass through a loop as may be necessary during the knitting of l x 1,2 x 2, or another fabric in which the loop is cast off selected vertical needles by the oper ation of the auxiliary pressing means 2'. A fabric is being knitted, one loop of which is on the stem of the horizontal needle 4, while the. other loop is on the stem The yarn passes over a sinker 3. In the position of FIG. 1, the beard of the horizontal needle does not engage the lower surface of pressing means 2, and is consequently open.

FIG. 2 illustrates the same phase of the operation, for a vertical needle 1b whose beard is located in a recess 2." of presser means 2', and consequentlynot closed. It will be understood that needles in the position 1a and 1b are arranged in a row in accordance with a selected order determined by the recesses 2'. c

7 FIG. 3 illustrates a successive position in which a vertical needle 1 has been moved to a lower position located below' the plane of the horizontal needles 4. Needle 1 hasforrned a new loop on needle 4 which is spaced a distance x from the oid loop on needle 4. Needle 1 pulls down the yarn so that needle 4 is pulled down, and would be bent to a position in which its beard is spaced from the presser face 6 of presser means 2, but before this happens, members 5 and 5 are simultaneously advanced by links 12 and 12' to the position shown in FIG. 3 in which the heads of needles 4 are supported so that needles 4 cannot be bent by the pull of needles 1, V Fresser member 5 is a bar which has a set of spaced upwardly extending projections 5b which form a comblike structure on which selected needles 4, for example pairs of needles 4a are supported. Presser member 5'. includes a bar 50 sliding on the top surface of the bar portion of presser member 5, and a set of spaced projection 5a which are located in the spaces between projections 5b. Projections 5b and 5d have surfaces inclined to the longitudinal direction of needles 4, and in the position illustrated in FIG. 3, the inclined surfaces of projections 5b and 5d form a continuous inclined surface 5a, so that the horizontal needles 4c, for example every third needle 4, are supported on the projections 5d,. while alternating pairs of needles 4a are supported on the projections 5b. a

It will be understood that the projections 5d of presser member 5 form recesses in which the projections 5b of In the position of FIG. 3, both presser members 5 and 5' were moved to the left as viewed in FIG. 3 to form a continuous surface 5a extending parallel to the needle bars and transverse to the needles 4 whose heads are supported on the surface 5:: against the pull of needles 1. The presser members 5 and 5 do not perform a pressing function in this position, but act as support for the heads of the needles.

In the following position of FIG. 4, cam 13!) has be come effective to shift presser member 5 to the left, while presser member 5 remains stationary due to a circular portion of cam 13?). The heads of needles 4c which are aligned with projections 50? of presser member 5', are engaged by the inclined surfaces of projections 5d and raised toward the presser face 6 so that their beards are pressed against presser face 6 and are closed.

Consequently, needles 4c, are not only supported in the position of FIG. 3 in which their beards are open, but also supported in the position of Flt}. 4 in which the beards are pressed, and in fact they are actually urged upwards by the inclined surfaces of projections So, so that even a strong pull exerted by needles 1 and the yarn loop on needles dc cannot move the heads of needles do away from the presser face 6 whereby it is entirely impossible that beards 6 are not completely closed. Needles 4c constitute one set of needles whose beards are to be pressed so that they may pass through the loop formed by needles 1. Another set of needles 4a is not to be pressed and closed and these needles 4a are located aligned with the inclined faces of projections 5b of presser member 5 which was not advanced from the position shown in H6. 3. Consequently, these needles 4a remain in the position shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 al though presser member 5' was advanced as shown in FIG. 5.

The schematic plan view of FIG. 6 shows vertical needles la and 1b. As explained with reference to FIG. 1, the beards of vertical needles 1a were pressed by pressing means 2', so that they passed through the loops of the yarn, and could not catch the yarn. Vertical needles 1b have beards located opposite recesses 2", so that the beards were not pressed, as shown in FIG. 2, and the vertical needles lb catch loops, and hold such loops as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 also shows that a pair of needles 1b is followed by a needle 1a in the selected pattern which is knitted by the machine, so that the recesses 2." are wider than the projections separating the same. The auxiliary pressing means 2 can be exchanged in accordance with the pattern which is to be knitted.

The projections 5b are twice as wide as the projections 5d, so that a pair of needles 4:: is not pressed and catches the yarn, as shown in FIG. 6, while single needles 4c are pressed as shown in Fl 4, and consequently pass through the yarn loops without catching the yarn as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the invention in which the needles 1 and d are operated in the same conventional manner as described with reference to FIG. 7. Conventional presser means 2, and auxiliary presser means 2 are again provided, and cooperate with the needles in a conventional manner. Below the set of needles 4, two presser members 14 and 14' are mounted on a support 15 which extends longitudinally of the ma chine, and presser members or presser bars 14 and 14' have arms 16 and 16' which are pivotally connected to cam levers 17 and 1'7 controlled by cams l8 and it? on cam shaft 8. Arms 16 and 3.5 have slots 16a through which a bot 16b passes, so that arms 15 and 16 are movable in vertical direction for moving presser members 1 and 1 3, respectively up and down in vertical direction, that is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the horizontal needles 4.

Presser members or presser bars 14 and 14' have sets of projections, which alternate in the same manner as the projections 5b and 5d and form comb-like structures on presser members 14 and 14.

When during an operation the needles 1 and 4 assume the positions shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, cams 18 and 18' hold the presser members 14 and 14' in a position in which the projections thereof form a continuous surface 14a, which corresponds to the surface 5a of the 'embodi ment of FIGS. 1 to 5, but which is horizontal. Surface 14a is spaced from the bottom face 6 of the pressing means 2 such a distance as to support the heads of the needles 4 while the beards of the same are slightly spaced from the presser face 6, as shown in FIG. 3. When a dwell of cam 18 or 18 raises the respective presser member 14 or 14', the projections thereof move to a position located above the projection of the other presser member, and the respective aligned needles 4 are urged against the bottom face 6 of the presser means 2.in an operation which corresponds to the operation shown in FIG. 4, so that the beards of the respective needles are pressed and closed, and can pass through the loops during the following retraction of the needles 4. Needles 4 aligned with the presser means 14 or 14 which was not raised by the respective cam, are not pressed against the presser face 6, and remain in the position of needle 4a in FIG. 5. Consequently, selected patterns can be knitted with the machine of FIG. 8 in the same manner as with the machine of FIG. 7, and FIGS. 1 to 5.

FIGS. 9 and 9a illustrate another embodiment of the invention. The conventional means for-operating the needles 1 and 4 are omitted in FIGS. 9 and 9a for the sake of clarity. The horizontal bottom face 6 of presser means 2 is not used for pressing the beards of needles 4. The pressing operations are carried out by two presser members 19 and 19' which are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of needles 4. Presser members 19 and 19' have bar portions extending along the machine, and at the ends of the bar portions are articulated to levers 20 and 20' which are operated by cam followers under control of a pair of cams, not shown. It will be understood from the description of the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 3, that presser members 19 and 19' can be moved relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the needles 4. Presser members 19 have a comb-like shape with spaced projections which are alternately arranged, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. Presser member 19 has spaced projections 19a and slides on the horizontal face portions 19" of a horizontal wall 19'b of presser member 19'. Other projections 19a extend upwardly from wall 19'b of the lower presser member 19' into the gaps between the projections 19a. Each projection 19a, 19%: of members 19 and 19' has a cutout or recess 21 in its vertical end face whose top and bottom walls cooperate with the head and heard of the respective aligned needle 4. When both presser members 19 and 19' are retracted, the beards of needles 4 are completely free in the advanced position of the needles. When both presser members 19 and 19 are advanced to an operative position toward the needles 4, the beards of needles 4 are located in the respective recesses 21 of projections 19a, 19a, and the beards are pressed, while being supported, since the upper and lower parts of the presser members 19 and 19' located above and below the recesses 21 are rigidly connected to each other. When only one presser member 19 or 19' is moved toward the needles, only the respective needles which are aligned with the projections 19a or 19a and recesses 21 of the operative presser members are pressed, as described for the needles 4c in FIG. 4. It Will be noted that the face 6 of pressing means 2 slidably guides the top faces of the projections of 19a, 19'a presser members 19 and 19', but does not perform a pressing operation.

When both presser members 19 and 19' are moved to the operative pressing position, all needles 4 are pressed, and a purl-purl fabric is knitted. If only one of the the invention;

sition in which their heads are 3,1e9,sse

presser members 19 or 19 is movedtoward theneedles 4, a patterned fabric is knitted, corresponding to the order in which the projections of the'two presser mem bers 19 and 19' are arranged and constructed. 7 .7

Under certain circumstances, for example when a fabllC is-started with a'2 x 2 portion, it is necessary to' ad- 1 just thelrelative position of the presser members which consist of several parts, each of which influences a 'certain set or. group of horizontal needles. For this purpose, presser members 19 and 19' are mounted for lateral row ofneedles 4, and supporting the heads of the ineedles against the pull of the yarn produced by needles 1 and by the fabric. Edge 21 is preferably inclined to facilitate the movement of the needles 4 to the advanced popresser member 21. q

' The pressing of the beards of needles 4 is not-carried out by the conventional pressing means, but by presser cmembers 24a and 24b which have comb-like portions whose projections 23a and 23bv alternate in: a selected order as described-with respect to the other embodi ments of the invention. Presser members 24a and 24b can be advanced and retracted by links, cam followers andcams, not shown, and corresponding tofthe members 13a, 13b, 13, 13, Hand 12' of the embodiment of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 10, presser member 24a is in an operative position in which its projections 23a press and close the beards of corresponding aligned needles. Those needles 4 which are aligned with projections 23b, which remain in an'inoperative position, are not "pressed and closed as shown in FIG. 10a. Presser members 24a and 24b can be moved to a position in which projections 23a and 23b are aligned, so I that a continuous presser face is-formed'for pressing the beards of all needles 4. The cam means, not shown, are constructed to move the presser members 24a and 24b relative to each other so that each of the presser members can be moved between the inoperative position shown for presser member 24b and the operative position shown for presser member 24a for pressing needles :4 in, advanced positions.

From the above description of several embodiments of the invention, it will become apparent that in'all embodiments first presser means are located on one side of the needles for pressing and closing the beards in the advanced position of the needles, and that secondpresser meansare located, on the opposite sides of the needles and tion. One of the presser means includes two sets of presser supported by the fixed members, for example the presser members 24;: and 24b in the embodiment of FIG. 10, or the presser members .5 and 5', 12 and 12, 19 and 19' in the other embodiments. Cam means, best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, are provided for moving one or both of the movable presser members between an inoperative position and an operative position engaging the respective aligned needle, and either supporting the same, or urging the same toward the respective other presser means. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the presser means includes rigidly connected parts defining the recesses 21 and being located on opposite sides of the needles so that one of theparts presses and closes the beards, and the other of the parts supports the needleheads in the advanced position of the needles in which the pull of the yarn tends to bend the needles downward.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of knitting machines diliering from the types described above, I

While the invention hasbeen illustrated' and described as embodied in a presser arrangement for supporting the heads of bearded needles during pressing operations, and

for pressing the, beards'ofthe-needles while supporting the same,.it is not intended to, be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes of the present invention.

vWithout further analysis, the foregoing will so fully maybe made without departing in any way from the spirit 7 reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range ofequival'ence of the following claims. What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is: e

1. In a'straight bar' knitting machine, in combination a row ofmachine needles, each needle having a head with a heard on one side; means supporting said needles for movementin longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; presser means lo- .cated on said one side of said needles for pressing and order and respectively aligned with said needles to cooperate with corresponding aligned sets of said needles, at least one of said sets of presser members being movable.

2. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a beard on oneside'; means supporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; first presser means located on said one side of said needles for pressing and closing said beards in said advanced position of said needles; and second presser means located on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles'in said advanced pressing position, one of said resser means including two. sets of presser members arranged in a selected order and respectively aligned with said needles to cooperate with corresponding aligned sets of said needles, at least one of said sets of presser members being movable.

3. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a beard on one side; means supporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; first presser means located on said one side of said needles for pressing and closing said beards in said advanced position of said needles; second presser meanslocated on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles in said advanced pressing position, one of said presser means including two sets of presser members arranged in a selected order and respectively aligned with said needles to cooperate with corresponding aligned sets of said needles, at least one of said sets of presser members being movable; and means for moving said movable set of presser members between an inoperative position, and an operative position engaging the respective aligned needles and urging the same toward the respective other presser means. I

4. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a beard on one side; means supporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the'same to and from an advanced pressing position; first presser means located on said one side of said needles for pressing and closing said beards in said advanced position of said needles; second presser means located on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles in said advanced pressing position, one of said presser means in cluding two sets of presser members arranged in a selected order and respectively aligned with said needles to cooperate with corresponding aligned sets of said needles, said sets of presser members being movable; and means for moving said sets of presser members relative to each other between inoperative positions, and operative positions engaging the respective aligned needles.

5. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a beard on one side; means supporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; first presser means located on said one side of said needles for pressing and closing said beards in said advanced position of said needles; second presser means located on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles in said advanced pressing position, said second presser means including two sets of presser members arranged in a selected order and respectively aligned with said needles to cooperate with corresponding aligned sets of said needles, at least one of said sets of presser members being movable; and means for moving said movable set of presser members between an inoperative position, and an operative position engaging the respective aligned needles and urging the same toward the respective other presser means.

6. In a straight oar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a heard on one side; means supporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; first presser means located on said one side of said needles for pressing and closing said beards in said advanced position of said needles; second presser means located on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles in said advanced pressing position, said second presser means including two sets of presser members arranged in a selected order and respectively aligned with said needles to cooperate with corresponding aligned sets of said needles, said sets of presser members being movable; means for moving said movable sets of presser members between an inoperative position, and an operative position engaging the respective aligned needles and urging the same toward the respective other presser means; and means for moving said sets of presser members relative to each other between inoperative positions, and operative positions engaging the respective aligned needles.

7. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a heard on one side; means supporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; first presser means located on said one side of said needle for pressing and closing said beards in said advanced position of said needles; second presser means located on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles in said advanced pressing position, one of said presser means including two sets of presser members arranged in a selected order and respectively aligned with said needles to cooperate with corresponding aligned sets of said needles, said sets of presser members being movable; and means including two cam follower means operatively connected to said sets of presser members, respectively, and two cam means engaging said cam follower means, respectively, for moving said sets of presser members relative to each other between inoperative positions, and operative positions engaging the respective aligned needle.

8. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a heard on one side; means supporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; first presser means located on it said one side of said needle tor pressing and closing said heard in said advanced position of said needles; second presser means located on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles in said ad vanced pressing position, said second presser means in cluding two sets of presser members arrange in a selected order and respectively aligned with said needles to cooperate with corresponding aligned sets of said needles, said sets of presser members being movable; and means including two cam follower means operatively connected to said sets of presser members, respectively, and two cam means engaging said cam follower means, respectively, for moving said'sete of presser members relative to each other between inoperative positions, and operative positions engaging the respective aligned needles.

9. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a beard on one side; means supporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; first presser means located on said one side of said needles for pressing and closing said beards in said advanced position of said needles; second presser means located on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles in said advanced pressing position, one of said presser means including two presser bars, each presser bar having a set of spaced presser projections, said presser projections of said presser bars alternating with each, other and being respectively aligned with two sets of said needles, at least one of said presser bars being movable between an inoperative position and an operative position in which said presser projections thereof engage the respective aligned needles; and means for moving said presser bar relative to the other presser bar between said inoperative and operative positions.

10. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a beard on one side; means supporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; first presser means located on said one side of said needles for pressing and closing said beards in said advanced position of said needles; second presser means located on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles in said advanced pressing position, said second presser means including two presser bars, each presser bar having a set of spaced presser projections, said presser projections of said presser bars alternating with each other and being respectively aligned with two sets of said needles, at least one of said presser bars being movable in said longitudinal direction of said needles between an inoperative position and an operative position in which said presser projections thereof engage the respective aligned needles, said presser projections having engaging surfaces inclined to the 1ongitudinal direction of said needles for urging said needles toward said first presser means; and means for moving said presser bar relative to the other presser bar between said inoperative and operative positions.

11. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head With a heard on one side; means supporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; first presser means located on said one side of said needles for pressing and closing said beards in said advanced position of said needles; second presser means located on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles in said advanced pressing position, one of said presser means including two presser bars, each presser bar having a set of spaced presser projections, said presser projections of said presser bars alternating with each other and being respectively aligned with two sets of said needles, at least one of said presser bars being movable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of said needles between an inoperative position and an operative position rin' which said presser projections thereof engage there 'spective aligned needles, said presser projections having I engaging surfaces extending substantially parallel to said longitudinal direction'of said needles for urging the same toward said first presser means; andtmeans for moving I said presserbar relative to the other presser bar'between said inoperative and operative positions. a

l2. In a straight bar knitting machine,-in combination, .arow of needles, each needle having "a head with a beard on one side; means supporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; first presser means 7 located on said one side of said needles for pressing and closing said beards in said advanced position of said needles; second presser means located on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles in said advanced pressing position, one of having a set of spaced presser projections said presser projections of said presser bars alternating with each other and being respectively aligned with two sets of said needles, at least one of said presser bars being movable .between an inoperative position and an operative'positio-n in which said presser projections thereofengage'the respective aligned needles, said presser projections having engaging surfaces for engagaing said needle heads, said needle engaging surfaces of said presser projections having a position forming a continuous surface for engaging all said needles; and means for moving said presser bar relative to the other presser bar between said inoperative and operative positions.

13. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a beard said means including two presser bars, each presser barspective aligned needles, said presser projections having engaging surfaces parallel to said'longitudinal direction 1 .of said needles for urging said needles toward said first presser means, said needle engaging surfaces of said .presser projections having a position forming a continu- "ous surface for engagingall said needles; and means for moving said presser bar relative to the other presser bar between said inoperative and operative positions.

15. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a beard on'one side; meanssupporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; first presser means located on vsaid one side of said needles for pressing and closing.

said beards in said advanced position of said needles; and second presser means including a fixed bar extending transverse to said needles located on the Opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said J needles in saidiadvanced pressing position.

16. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination,

a row. of needles, reach needle having a head with a heard on one side; means supporting said needles for movement in longi-tudinaldirection of the same to and on one side; means supporting said needles for movement.

in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an ad: vanced pressing position; first presser means located on said one side of said needles for pressing and closing said beards in said advanced position of said needles; second presser means located on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles in said advanced pressing position, said second 'said presser projections thereof engage the respective aligned needles, said presser projections having engaging surfaces inclined to said longitudinal direction of said needles for urging said needles toward. said first presser means, said needle engaging surfaces of said presser projections having a position forming a continuous surface for engaging all said needles; and means for moving said presser bar relative to the other presser bar between said inoperative and operative positions.

14. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination,

a row of needles, each needle having a head with a heard on one side, means supporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; first presser means located on said one side of said needles for pressing and closing said beards in said advanced position of said needles; second presser means located on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles in said advanced pressing position, one of said presser means in- ..cluding two presser bars, each presser bar having a set of spaced presser projections, said presser projections of said presser bars alternating with each other and being respectively aligned with two sets of said needles, at

least one of said presser bars bein'g'movable in'a direction transverse tosaid longitudinal direction of said needles between an inoperative position and an operative position in which said presser projections thereof engage the refromenfadvanced pressing position; first presser means located on said one side of said needles for pressing and closing'said beards in said advanced position of said needles, said first presser meansincluding two sets of presser members arranged in a selected order respectively aligned with said needles to cooperate with corresponding ali ned sets of said needles, said two sets of presser.

members having a position in which the presser members of said two sets are spaced from each other in said longitudinal direction of said needles; and second presser means located on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles in said advanced pressing position.

17(111 a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a heard on one side; means supportingsaid needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; first presser means located on said one side of said needles for pressing and closing said beards in said advanced position of said eedles, said-first presser means including two sets of presser members arranged in a selected order respectively aligned with said needles to cooperate with correspondingalignedsets of said needles and being movable rela- 'tive to each other, said two sets of presser members having a position in which the presser members of saidtwo sets arespaced from each other in said longitudinal direction of said needles; means formoving said sets of presser members relative to each other. and to and from operative positions in which said presser members engage said beards of said. needles; and second presser means including a fixed bar extending transverse to said needles located on the opposite side of said needles and supporting said needle heads of said needles in said advanced pressing position.

18, In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a heard on one side; -means supporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; and presser means including rigidly connected parts located on opposite sides of said needles so that one of said parts presses and closes said beards in said advanced position of said needles and the other ofsaid parts supports the heads of said needles in said advanced position. 19, In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a beard on one side; means supporting said needles 'for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; presser means incloses said beards in said advanced position of said needles and the other of said parts supports the heads of said needles in said advanced position; and means for moving said presser means between an advanced position in which said parts engage said beards in said advanced position of said needles, and an inoperative retracted position.

20. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, a row of needles, each needle having a head with a beard on one side; means supporting said needles for movement in longitudinal direction of the same to and from an advanced pressing position; presser means including two sets of presser members arranged in a selected order and respectively aligned with said needles and movable to and from operative positions cooperating with two sets of aligned needles, respectively, each presser member having two rigidly connected parts located on opposite sides of the respective aligned needle so that one of said parts presses and closes said beards in said advanced positions of said needles and the other of said parts supports said needle heads of said needles in said operative position; and means for moving said sets of Presser members to and from said operative positions.

21. In a straight bar knitting machine, in combination, first and second presser means located in the proximity of each other; a row of needles, each needle having a head with a beard on one side; movable holding means supporting said needles in a position in which said first presser means is located on said one side of said needles and said second presser means is located on the other side of said needles, said movable holding means being operable to move said needles in longitudinal direction of the same between a retracted position spaced from said presser means and an advanced pressing position in which said beards engage said first presser means and the other sides of the heads of said needles engage said second presser means so that the beards are pressed and closed and said heads are supported by said second presser means, said second presser means including two sets of presser members arranged in a selected order and respectively aligned with said needles to cooperate with :33 corresponding aligned sets of said needles to support the heads of the same, at least one of said sets of presser members being movable; and means for moving said movable set of presser members between a supporting position for supporting the heads of aligned needles and in operative position engaging the heads of aligned needles and holding the same against the pressure of said first presser means.

22. In a straight bar knitting machine, a combination, a presser means and a support means located in the proximity of each other; a row of needles, each needle having a head with a heard on one side; movable holding means supporting said needles in a position in which said presser means is located on said one side of said needles and said support means is located on the other side of said needles, said movable holding means being operable to move said needles in longitudinal direction of the same between a retracted position spaced from said presser means and an advanced pressing position in which said beards engage said presser means and the other sides of the heads of said needles engage said sup port means so that the beards are pressed and closed and said heads are supported by said support means, said presser means including two sets of presser members arranged in a selected order and respectively aligned with said needles to cooperate with respectively aligned sets of needles, at least one of said sets of presser members being movable; and means for moving said movable set of presser members between an inoperative position and a pressing position engaging the beards of said aligned needles for pressing and closing the same while the heads thereof are supported by said support means.

References Cited by the Examiner FOREIGN PATENTS 2,899 of/ 61 Great Britain.

17,845 of/89 Great Britain. 311,715 5/29 Great Britain 811,067 3/59 Great Britain RUSSELL C. MADER, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN A STRAIGHT BAR KNITTING MACHINE, IN COMBINATION A ROW OF MACHINE NEEDLES, EACH NEEDLE HAVING A HEAD WITH A BEARED ON ONE SIDE; MEANS SUPPORTING SAID NEEDLES FOR MOVEMENT IN LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION OF THE SAME TO AND FROM AN ADVANCED PRESSING POSITION; PRESSER MEANS LOCATED ON SAID ONE SIDE OF SAID NEEDLES FOR PRESSING AND CLOSING SAID BEARDS IN SAID ADVANCED POSITION SIDE OF SAID NEEDLES AND ALSO LOCATED ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF SAID NEEDLES SUPPORTING SAID NEEDLE HEADS OF SAID NEEDLES IN SAID ADVANCED PRESSING POSITION, SAID PRESSER MEANS INCLUDING TWO SETS OF PRESSER MEMBERS ARRANGED IN A SELECTED ORDER AND RESPECTIVELY ALIGNED WITH SAID NEEDLES TO COOPERATE WITH CORRESPONDING ALIGNED SETS OF SAID NEEDLES, AT LEAST ONE OF SAID SETS OF PRESSER MEMBERS BEING MOVABLE. 